Where are you from? I’m from Cardiff and I am still based here.
What is the subject of your doctoral research project? I am researching the architectural and garden history of St Fagans Castle, an Elizabethan mansion in Cardiff. Of course, the mansion and grounds became home to the Welsh Folk Museum in 1948, now St Fagans National History Museum of History. I started my project in 2020.
What are your main research interests? Architectural history, Elizabethan architecture, garden history, Welsh country houses.
Tell us about your career so far and what led you to ISWE and your doctoral research project? I studied architecture in Bath University at undergraduate level, but each summer/university holiday I worked as a Museum Assistant at St Fagans National History Museum, where I quickly became interested in architectural history. This led me to a masters course in building history at Cambridge University, and on to this PhD! I’ve also worked and volunteered for heritage organisations such as SAVE Britain’s Heritage and C20 Cymru, the Welsh Representation for the Twentieth Century Society.
What is your favourite thing about ISWE and being a doctoral researcher? It’s great to be a part of a cohort of doctoral researchers studying different fields and periods of history. All our symposiums and gatherings over the years have given me a better, more holistic understanding of Welsh history and culture, as well as being really fun!
What is your proudest achievement since joining ISWE? This January I presented a paper at the annual ‘New Insights into C16 and C17 British Architecture Conference’ in the Society of Antiquaries in London, to some of the leading scholars in the field of Elizabethan architecture.
What is your favourite historical period and why? Definitely the Elizabethan period, because it was such a fun and spontaneous time for architecture in Britain, when traditional Gothic ornament was being combined freely with fashionable Classical ornament coming over from the Continent, producing some very eclectic buildings!
Your favourite place in Wales? My favourite place in Wales would have to be St Fagans National Museum of History. Working there throughout my twenties was extremely formative and led me down the path of architectural history. But Portmeirion is a close second choice, as it’s an architectural delight!
Can you recommend any books, TV shows, podcasts, blogs that you have enjoyed recently? My favourite history podcast at the moment is ‘Oh What a Time!’. Wales and Welsh history are always well represented as Elis James is one of the presenters.
What are your hobbies or favourite extracurricular activities? Have you got any other interesting projects on the go? I’m a freelance illustrator, specialising in illustrating historic buildings. One of my biggest achievements as an illustrator was creating the cover and chapter illustrations for Clive Aslet’s book ‘The Story of the Country House’, published by Yale University Press. At the moment I’m working on a TV show called ‘Cartrefi Cymru’ (‘Welsh Houses’) with BOOM Cymru, which will be broadcast on S4C next year. I’m working behind the scenes as a researcher but I also appear on screen as the historical expert in each episode. My hobbies include swimming, reading, and football (I support Arsenal!).
How can people keep up to date with your research project? The best place to keep in touch with me is on my website or via social media @bethanscorey.
Contact Bethan:
bts20ljc@bangor.ac.uk
